Beating the Odds

I can't think of a better way to return to the blogging world today...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MELISSA!!

Melissa and I have been married 20 YEARS today!! It's really hard to believe. There were so many "nay-sayers" back in the days. Those folks who told us that life was too hard, the obstacles too great and that our marriage would never last. Guess what? They were wrong! I love to fight for the underdog, but I have no doubt that God had this plan in mind all along. What we have learned and shared over the past 20 years is invaluable. Those experiences have allowed us to impact other lives - the real power of living life.

There were many times we thought life was all about us. That perspective has changed drastically. We love to share our thoughts and challenges with marriage because we've been there. We've lived it and we certainly didn't get it right most of the time. So why not save others the trouble?

I joke a lot of times that the secret to a long-lasting marriage is this, "Yes, dear." But in reality there are no secrets to marriage. It's just plain hard work! It's about loving my wife even when I don't want to. It's about sacrifice and sharing and hurting. It's about laughing and listening and persevering. But most of all, it's about God and what He is teaching us through Him.

If being humble is thinking about the other person first, I pray that our marriage stays humble to the end. I am so thankful that Melissa is in my life. We have a great relationship with great kids and a family that has "beat the odds." After 20 years, I can honestly say that I am more in love with my wife today than I have ever been before, and I am looking forward to sharing the next adventure!

I love you Mel!